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Wang Y, Jia J, Wang F, Fang Y, Yang Y, Zhou Q, Yuan W, Gu X, Hu J, Yang S. Pre-metastatic niche: formation, characteristics and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:236. [PMID: 39317708 PMCID: PMC11422510 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis is a primary cause of mortality and contributes to poor surgical outcomes in cancer patients. Before the development of organ-specific metastasis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche is pivotal in promoting the spread of cancer cells. This review delves into the intricate landscape of the pre-metastatic niche, focusing on the roles of tumor-derived secreted factors, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells in shaping the metastatic niche. The discussion encompasses cellular elements such as macrophages, neutrophils, bone marrow-derived suppressive cells, and T/B cells, in addition to molecular factors like secreted substances from tumors and extracellular vesicles, within the framework of pre-metastatic niche formation. Insights into the temporal mechanisms of pre-metastatic niche formation such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, vascular permeability and angiogenesis are provided. Furthermore, the landscape of pre-metastatic niche in different metastatic organs like lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones is elucidated. Therapeutic approaches targeting the cellular and molecular components of pre-metastatic niche, as well as interventions targeting signaling pathways such as the TGF-β, VEGF, and MET pathways, are highlighted. This review aims to enhance our understanding of pre-metastatic niche dynamics and provide insights for developing effective therapeutic strategies to combat tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jiachi Jia
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yingshuai Fang
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yabing Yang
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiaoming Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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2
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Jia J, Wang Y, Li M, Wang F, Peng Y, Hu J, Li Z, Bian Z, Yang S. Neutrophils in the premetastatic niche: key functions and therapeutic directions. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:200. [PMID: 39277750 PMCID: PMC11401288 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02107-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis has been one of the primary reasons for the high mortality rates associated with tumours in recent years, rendering the treatment of current malignancies challenging and representing a significant cause of recurrence in patients who have undergone surgical tumour resection. Halting tumour metastasis has become an essential goal for achieving favourable prognoses following cancer treatment. In recent years, increasing clarity in understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis has been achieved. The concept of premetastatic niches has gained widespread acceptance, which posits that tumour cells establish a unique microenvironment at distant sites prior to their migration, facilitating their settlement and growth at those locations. Neutrophils serve as crucial constituents of the premetastatic niche, actively shaping its microenvironmental characteristics, which include immunosuppression, inflammation, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling. These characteristics are intimately associated with the successful engraftment and subsequent progression of tumour cells. As our understanding of the role and significance of neutrophils in the premetastatic niche deepens, leveraging the presence of neutrophils within the premetastatic niche has gradually attracted the interest of researchers as a potential therapeutic target. The focal point of this review revolves around elucidating the involvement of neutrophils in the formation and shaping of the premetastatic niche (PMN), alongside the introduction of emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at impeding cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachi Jia
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mengjia Li
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yingnan Peng
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Junhong Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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3
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Chen Y, Tang S, Cai F, Wan Y. Strategies for Small Extracellular Vesicle-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0421. [PMID: 39040921 PMCID: PMC11260559 DOI: 10.34133/research.0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles released by cells. EVs encapsulate proteins and nucleic acids of their parental cell and efficiently deliver the cargo to recipient cells. These vesicles act as mediators of intercellular communication and thus play a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. Moreover, EVs hold promise for clinical use. They have been explored as drug delivery vehicles, therapeutic agents, and targets for disease diagnosis. In the landscape of cancer research, while strides have been made in EV-focused cancer physiopathology, liquid biopsy, and drug delivery, the exploration of EVs as immunotherapeutic agents may not have seen substantial progress to date. Despite promising findings reported in cell and animal studies, the clinical translation of EV-based cancer immunotherapeutics encounters challenges. Here, we review the existing strategies used in EV-based cancer immunotherapy, aiming to propel the development of this emerging yet crucial field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yundi Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- The Pq Laboratory of BiomeDx/Rx, Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Shasha Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengfeng Cai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wan
- The Pq Laboratory of BiomeDx/Rx, Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
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4
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Tayanloo-Beik A, Eslami A, Sarvari M, Jalaeikhoo H, Rajaeinejad M, Nikandish M, Faridfar A, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Mafi AR, Larijani B, Arjmand B. Extracellular vesicles and cancer stem cells: a deadly duo in tumor progression. Oncol Rev 2024; 18:1411736. [PMID: 39091989 PMCID: PMC11291337 DOI: 10.3389/or.2024.1411736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of cancer is increasing, with estimates suggesting that there will be 26 million new cases and 17 million deaths per year by 2030. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key to the resistance and advancement of cancer. They play a crucial role in tumor dynamics and resistance to therapy. CSCs, initially discovered in acute myeloid leukemia, are well-known for their involvement in tumor initiation, progression, and relapse, mostly because of their distinct characteristics, such as resistance to drugs and the ability to self-renew. EVs, which include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, play a vital role in facilitating communication between cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). They have a significant impact on cellular behaviors and contribute to genetic and epigenetic changes. This paper analyzes the mutually beneficial association between CSCs and EVs, emphasizing their role in promoting tumor spread and developing resistance mechanisms. This review aims to investigate the interaction between these entities in order to discover new approaches for attacking the complex machinery of cancer cells. It highlights the significance of CSCs and EVs as crucial targets in the advancement of novel cancer treatments, which helps stimulate additional research, promote progress in ideas for cancer treatment, and provide renewed optimism in the effort to reduce the burden of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Eslami
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hasan Jalaeikhoo
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rajaeinejad
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Aja University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nikandish
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Faridfar
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Rezazadeh Mafi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Rahmati S, Moeinafshar A, Rezaei N. The multifaceted role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in colorectal cancer: metastasis, immune suppression, therapy resistance, and autophagy crosstalk. J Transl Med 2024; 22:452. [PMID: 38741166 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer structures released by all cells and widely distributed in all biological fluids. EVs are implicated in diverse physiopathological processes by orchestrating cell-cell communication. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with metastasis being the leading cause of mortality in CRC patients. EVs contribute significantly to the advancement and spread of CRC by transferring their cargo, which includes lipids, proteins, RNAs, and DNAs, to neighboring or distant cells. Besides, they can serve as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for early detection of CRC or be harnessed as effective carriers for delivering therapeutic agents. Autophagy is an essential cellular process that serves to remove damaged proteins and organelles by lysosomal degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy and EV release are coordinately activated in tumor cells and share common factors and regulatory mechanisms. Although the significance of autophagy and EVs in cancer is well established, the exact mechanism of their interplay in tumor development is obscure. This review focuses on examining the specific functions of EVs in various aspects of CRC, including progression, metastasis, immune regulation, and therapy resistance. Further, we overview emerging discoveries relevant to autophagy and EVs crosstalk in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Rahmati
- Student Research Committee, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aysan Moeinafshar
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Xia J, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Wang Y, Liu G. Regulation of neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:773-785. [PMID: 37815294 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) is one of the defense functions of neutrophils, which has a rapid ability to kill infections and is also crucial in a variety of immune-associated diseases including infections, tumors and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown that NETs are closely related to the development of tumors. The regulatory role of NETs in tumors has been of interest to researchers. In addition to awakening latent tumor cells, NETs can also promote the proliferation and development of tumor cells and their metastasis to other sites. At the same time, NETs also have the effect of inhibiting tumors. At present, there are some new advances in the impact of NETs on tumor development, which will provide a more theoretical basis for developing NET-targeted drugs. Therefore, this review just summarized the formation process of NETs, the regulation of tumor development and the treatment methods based on NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yijin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Li Y, Lin Y, Li X, Chen Y, Chen G, Yang H. A Group of Highly Secretory miRNAs Correlates with Lymph Node Metastasis and Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2024; 14:224. [PMID: 38397460 PMCID: PMC10886572 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a pivotal role in modulating intercellular communications between tumor cells and other cells in the microenvironment, thereby influencing tumor progression and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, a comprehensive inventory of these secretory miRNAs in sEVs and their biological and clinical implications remains elusive. This study aims to profile the miRNA content of OSCC cell line sEVs and computationally elucidate their biological and clinical relevance. We conducted miRNA sequencing to compare the miRNA profiles of OSCC cells and their corresponding sEVs. Our motif enrichment analysis identified specific sorting motifs that are implicated in either cellular retention or preferential sEV secretion. Target cell analysis suggested that the sEV miRNAs potentially interact with various immune cell types, including natural killer cells and dendritic cells. Additionally, we explored the clinical relevance of these miRNAs by correlating their expression levels with TNM stages and patient survival outcomes. Intriguingly, our findings revealed that a distinct sEV miRNA signature is associated with lymph node metastasis and poorer survival in patients in TCGA-HNSC dataset. Collectively, this research furthers our understanding of the miRNA sorting mechanisms in OSCC and underscores their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518035, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Yuntao Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518035, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaolian Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518035, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518035, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Hongyu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518035, China; (Y.L.)
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8
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Zuo H, Yang M, Ji Q, Fu S, Pu X, Zhang X, Wang X. Targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Novel Antitumor Strategy. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:5599660. [PMID: 38023616 PMCID: PMC10653965 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5599660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for cancer is usually limited by the deterioration of tumor microenvironment (TME). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are decondensed chromatin extruded by neutrophils and are widely distributed among various cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the TME, NETs interact with stromal components, immune cells and cancer cells, which allows for the reshaping of the matrix and the extracellular environment that favors the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. In addition, NETs impair the proliferation and activation of T cells and NK cells, thus producing a suppressive TME that restricts the effect of immunotherapy. A better understanding of the function of NETs in the TME will provide new opportunities for the prevention of cancer metastasis and the discovery of novel therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengjie Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Nursing, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Ji
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengqiao Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Wu J, Dong W, Pan Y, Wang J, Wu M, Yu Y. Crosstalk between gut microbiota and metastasis in colorectal cancer: implication of neutrophil extracellular traps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1296783. [PMID: 37936694 PMCID: PMC10626548 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary colorectal cancer (CRC) often leads to liver metastasis, possibly due to the formation of pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in liver. Thus, unravelling the key modulator in metastasis is important for the development of clinical therapies. Gut microbiota dysregulation is a key event during CRC progression and metastasis. Numerous studies have elucidated the correlation between specific gut bacteria strains (e.g., pks + E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis) and CRC initiation, and gut bacteria translocation is commonly witnessed during CRC progression. Gut microbiota shapes tumor microenvironment (TME) through direct contact with immune cells or through its functional metabolites. However, how gut microbiota facilitates CRC metastasis remains controversial. Meanwhile, recent studies identify the dissemination of bacteria from gut lumen to liver, suggesting the role of gut microbiota in shaping tumor PMN. A pro-tumoral PMN is characterized by the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells and increased pro-inflammatory immune responses. Notably, neutrophils form web-like structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) both in primary TME and metastatic sites, NETs are involved in cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we focus on the role of gut microbiota in CRC progression and metastasis, highlight the multiple functions of different immune cell types in TME, especially neutrophils and NETs, discuss the possible mechanisms of gut microbiota in shaping PMN formation, and provide therapeutical indications in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research and Lab Center, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Wenyan Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayun Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Minliang Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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